Product Recalls

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Maytag Corp., of Newton, Iowa, is voluntarily recalling to repair about 23,000 Gemini gas ranges. The range can experience a delayed ignition flashback fire in the upper oven, which poses a fire and burn hazard to consumers.

Maytag has received nine reports of flashback fires, including three minor burn injuries and incidents where consumers suffered singed hair or clothing.

The recall involves all Maytag Gemini Gas Ranges. The Gemini ranges are free standing, have separate upper and lower ovens, and come in white, black, bisque and a stainless finish. The "Maytag" and "Gemini" names and logos appear on the control panel. The recalled ranges have a model number of MGR6772 and a serial number with the alpha characters AJ through AX or CA through CC, both of which are located on a flip-up serial tag behind the upper left corner of the control panel. The ranges were manufactured in the United States.

Retail appliance stores nationwide sold the ranges from July 2002 through February 2003 for between $1,300 and $1,500.

Consumers should immediately stop using the upper oven self-clean and broil features and consumers should not use the upper oven simultaneously with the lower oven. Consumers should contact Maytag at (866) 580-9177 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to arrange for a free, in-home repair by an authorized Maytag Customer Service contractor. For more information, consumers can visit Maytag's Web site at www.maytag.com.

Use of the lower oven is not affected by this repair and may be used in normal operation.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, OWT Industries, Inc., of Pickens, S.C. and Sears Roebuck and Co. (Sears), of Hoffman Estates, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 5,200 electric routers used in woodworking. The on-off switch on the routers could stick in the "on" position, posing a risk of serious lacerations to the operator and bystanders.

Sears has not received any reports of injuries or incidents. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

This recall involves Craftsman(r) routers, model number 315.17510 with date codes of A3025 or lower. The model numbers and date codes are printed on a black data label located on the electric motor's housing. The routers have an aluminum base with black handles and a black motor. All affected routers were packaged with a cloth carry bag under the stock number 17518. Routers sold without the bag are not involved in the recall.

Sears sold these routers nationwide from November 2002 through January 2003 for about $60.

Consumers should stop using these routers immediately and return them to their nearest Sears store for a product exchange. For more information, consumers can call toll-free at (800) 932-3188 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.sears.com.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Hitachi Koki U.S.A., Ltd., of Norcross, Ga., is voluntarily recalling about 14,300 circular saws. The lower blade guards on these saws can stick in the open position, exposing the blade and posing a serious laceration hazard.

Hitachi has not received any reports of injuries, but has received two reports from consumers of the lower guards sticking.

The recall involves 7 1/4-inch circular saws with model numbers C7SB2 or C7BD2 and serial numbers that begin with C62, C72, C82, C92, C02 or CN2. The model number is located on the green nameplate on the motor housing below the name "Hitachi." The serial number is stamped at the lower right of the nameplate. The saw's housing is green and the name "Hitachi" also is written on the metal blade guard.

Home centers, hardware stores and industrial suppliers nationwide sold these circular saws from August 2002 through March 2003 for between $90 and $100.

Consumers should stop using these circular saws immediately and return them to Hitachi for a free repair. For more information, contact Hitachi at (800) 706-7337 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.hitachi.com.

Hitachi circular saws with a circle stamped on the UPC label on the box are not included in this recall. Saws that have a light gray plastic stop between the upper and lower blade guards where they overlap also are not included in this recall.

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, The Toro Company, of Bloomington, Minn., is voluntarily recalling about 3,400 Toro Snow Commander snowthrowers. The plastic fuel tank can crack and leak gasoline, posing a risk for fire and injury.

Toro has received 29 reports of fuel leaking. No fires or injuries have been reported.

This recall includes 2001 Toro Snow Commander snowthrowers with model number 38600 (serial numbers between 210000001 and 210999999) and model number 38602 (serial numbers between 210000001 and 210999999). The model and serial numbers are located on the rear of the axle plate between the wheels.

The snowthrowers were sold nationwide October 2000 through March 2003 for between $850 and $950.

Consumers should stop using these Toro snowthrowers and contact their local Toro Authorized Service Dealer to find out if the snowthrower is included in the recall. If necessary, the dealer will schedule a time to install a free replacement fuel tank. For more information, contact Toro at (800) 689-8671 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday. Consumers can also visit the firm's Web site at www.toro.com.

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